ILLINOIS KIDS COUNT 2014

Voices for Illinois Children’s annual Illinois Kids Count reports examine the quality of life facing children and families throughout the state. The county-level and statewide statistics demonstrate trends, illustrate needs, and support policy proposals. By providing these measures of child well-being, Illinois Kids Count aims to enrich discussions about ways to ensure better futures for all children.

The Illinois Kids Count 2014 report—“Child Health Matters”—examines the health status of the state’s children. Since children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being can be affected by a wide range of factors, the report includes indicators on access to health care, early childhood outcomes, family environment, healthy living, social and emotional well-being, oral health, special health care needs, and personal and community safety. The report documents some positive trends for children’s health in our state—fewer children without health insurance, declining infant mortality rates, fewer young children with lead poisoning, and fewer teen deaths from accidents, homicide, or suicide. Illinois Kids Count 2014 also shows disturbing disparities related to household income level, race and ethnicity, special health care needs, and other factors. Reducing disparities is imperative for improving the lives of children and their families and for building a stronger future for the state as a whole.

Percentage of Children Without Health Insurance Enrollment of Children in Medical Assistance Programs Infant Mortality Rates Child PovertySubstantiated Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect Rates of Child Abuse and NeglectChildren in Substitute Care Teen BirthsReported Crimes Against Children

Visit the Kids Count Data Center for even more statewide and county-level data that cover a range of areas, including health.